HC Deb 23 November 1971 vol 826 c300W
29. Mr. Kinsey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the revenue derived from purchase tax on food and import duties on food changed each year between 1964 and 1971.

Mr. Maurice Macmillan

The information is as follows:

Wine duty—7.4.65, 21.7.66, 20.3.68, 23.11.68, 16.4.69.

Beer duty—7.4.65. 21.7.66, 23.11.68

Oil duty—11.11.64, 21.7.66, 11.4.67, 19.3.68, 22.11.68, 15.4.69.

If estimated current consumption were to be taxed at the rates in force before October, 1964, the annual yields of the individual taxes would be less by approximately the following amounts:

£ million
Purchase tax 355
Tobacco 260
Spirits 130
Wine 40
Beer 125
Road fuel 510
Total 1,420

These figures are not, however, accurate indications of the changes in yield due to higher tax rates, since no reliable estimates can be made of the higher level of consumption which would have prevailed if tax rates had been unchanged since 1964. The figure for purchase tax assumes that all items now subject to the tax were liable in 1964.